Outside the Disney Bubble

Disney Fanatic shares news and experiences that unfold outside of the Disney bubble, including news of Disney’s competitors and beyond.

  • Sep- 2026 -
    3 September
    A fountain dyed red at Six Flags Great America sits in front of an audio-animatronic pumpkin and carousel for Fright Fest.

    Following Lawsuit, Six Flags Cancels Fright Fest Events for 2026 Halloween Season

    Halloween just got a little less scary at one Six Flags theme park, as the chain confirms that its signature Fright Fest event won't be returning to a Western New York location this year. Six Flags Darien Lake Skips Fright Fest Every September, Six Flags parks across the country ramp up for Fright Fest, the chain's after-dark Halloween event known for scare actors, haunted houses, spooky decor, an

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  • 3 September
    Five Guys restaurant open on the upper level of Universal CityWalk at Universal Orlando Resort.

    Universal Just Changed This Annual Passholder-Only Perk

    There is a store inside Universal Studios Florida that most guests will never set foot in. It just moved. And the deals inside got people lining up. The Universal Annual Passholder store, the members-only shop where passholders and team members buy discounted resort merchandise, has officially relocated. The old Brown Derby location is done. The perk now operates out of the former Custom Gear shop

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  • 3 September
    Guests near the Hellraiser haunted house during Halloween Horror Nights 35 at Universal Studios Florida.

    Epic Universe Included in New Universal Orlando Ticket Deal Starting at $85 Per Day

    Universal Orlando Resort isn't the same two-theme-park destination it was just a couple of years ago. Epic Universe opened in May 2025, adding an entirely new park to a resort already home to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. That's great news for guests looking for more to do, but it also creates another question when planning a vacation: How do you fit three theme parks into on

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  • 3 September
    Dolly Parton in parade at Dollywood theme park

    Dollywood Announces 3 Major Changes Across the Park in Memory of Dolly Parton

    Dollywood is preparing for a future without Dolly Parton while finding new ways to keep her story alive inside the Tennessee theme park she helped shape. Parton died on August 25, 2026, at age 80. Her passing left family, friends, and fans mourning around the world and created an especially emotional moment for Dollywood. The park already has a memorial where guests can remember Dolly, but its pla

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  • 3 September
    guests around Universal Orlando Resort's iconic spinning globe. Universal Orlando classic attractions closing

    Universal Orlando Confirms Major September Hour Cuts Across All 3 Theme Parks

    Universal Orlando Resort has more theme parks than ever, but guests visiting this September won't necessarily have more time to enjoy them. Universal has confirmed shortened operating hours across all three of its major theme parks this month. While Halloween Horror Nights explains some of the changes at Universal Studios Florida, the reduced hours don't stop there. Islands of Adventure and Epic U

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  • 3 September
    Universal Orlando's iconic spinning globe with Hard Rock Cafe and Islands of Adventure in the distance. Universal Orlando location closure. Universal Orlando guest saves choking woman

    Loews Just Made a Major Move at Universal Orlando Resort

    Stephen Cummings left Universal Orlando Resort in 2023. He just walked back in with a bigger title than he had when he left. Loews Hotels & Co has promoted Cummings to senior vice president of operations for Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando Resort, putting him in command of all 11 hotels on the property. Every resort. Every restaurant. Every front desk. Roughly the entire hotel operation at one o

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  • 2 September
    Guests approach the Skull Island: Reign of Kong entrance at Universal Islands of Adventure.

    Universal Confirms Major Islands of Adventure Attraction Will Close in 2027

    Universal Orlando Resort is preparing for another major attraction closure at Islands of Adventure. The park is already in the middle of several significant projects, with construction, refurbishments, and permanent closures changing what guests can experience. That work will continue into 2027, and Universal has now confirmed another attraction will temporarily disappear from the lineup. This tim

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  • 2 September
    Universal guests approach the entrance to Epic Universe

    Universal Blocks Standard Guests, Expands Pricey Epic Universe Event

    A regular ticket to Epic Universe can buy guests an entire day inside Universal Orlando's newest theme park. But when nighttime arrives, another group of visitors is getting an experience that daytime guests can't stick around to enjoy. Universal Orlando Resort is expanding a limited-capacity option that keeps select guests inside Epic Universe after the normal operating day ends. It costs nearly

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  • 2 September
    universal orlando spinning globe

    Universal Studios Florida Permanently Closing 36-Year-Old Attraction

    Universal Orlando is clearing the way for another project at Universal Studios Florida. This time, the change comes at the expense of one of the oldest attractions in the entire park. Animal Actors on Location! will give its final performance on November 2, 2026, before permanently closing. The show has been part of Universal Studios Florida for 36 years, surviving multiple name changes and enormo

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  • 1 September
    Five Guys restaurant open on the upper level of Universal CityWalk at Universal Orlando Resort.

    Universal Studios Florida Confirms Replacement Use for Closed Fast & Furious Location

    One of Universal Studios Florida's newest empty spaces won't remain completely unused. Fast & Furious: Supercharged permanently closed in August, bringing an end to an attraction that had operated in the park's San Francisco section since 2018. Universal still hasn't revealed what will eventually take over the attraction itself. However, the company has now confirmed a new purpose for the former r

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